POETICAL ALLEGORY. 57 



Near where the tree of knowledge grew, 



In Eden's hallowed ground, 

 A bed of Roses struck the view, 



And fenced the tree around. 



Large sweets diffusing thro' the vale, 



Their snowy bosoms spread 

 Their milk white blossoms to the gale, 



Nor yet assum'd the red. 



While Adam strung the manly nerve, 



To dress and keep the ground, 

 His bride, well pleas*d her lord to serve, 



Would range the garden round. 



To cull the fruits and keep the flowers, 



And mark the early bloom, 

 Each morn with Roses deck'd her bower, 



Which breath 'd a rich perfume. 



This favourite spot she oftsurvey'd 



With an attentive eye, 

 And there her constant visit paid, 



To reap a fresh supply. 



One morn, a fatal morn it was, 



She paid her usual suit, 

 But ah! from hence destruction rose, 



And bitter was the fruit. 



Urged on by Satan's base pretence, 



The first and worst of foes, 

 She dared to break the feeble fence, 



And trample on the Rose. 



Unaw'd she stretch'd the impious hand, 



The alluring sweets to prove, 

 Regardless of her lord's command, 



Regardless of his love. 



